Phenom’s Open Gym Tour — Calvary Day School (Winston-Salem, NC)
By James Blackburn
2017-18 Record: 15-15
Coach Joe Rybak entering his 11th year coaching at Calvary is looking forward to coaching this year’s team that is moving into the 3A after playing in the 2A division in the past. This could be one of his most talented teams yet with senior leadership, good size, and depth. The team has 5 seniors and returns the Conference POY Jackson Gammons. Calvary is a team to watch out for and has all the ingredients to make a deep run in the state playoffs.
Senior Leadership
The Cougars have 5 seniors on this years team, including Citadel commit PG Jackson Gammons. Its hard to find a weakness in Jacksons game as he can play on and off the ball, is strong, and runs the team. He is a leader by example and is very vocal. He either gets a high quality shot for himself or gets a teammate a great shot. Is able to get to the rim at will and is unselfish. Terrific 3 point shooter, Jackson chose the Citadel from 5 D1 offers on the table.
Gammons is joined in the backcourt by 6’4” Cliff Harris. Hard working defensive minded guard who can score the ball in multiple ways. Good ball handler who can play up to 3 positions if needed. Cliff
is looking for a big senior year after being named All-Conference last year. Currently holds an offer from Bluefield, as well as interest from a host of D2’s and D3 schools.
5’10” SR PG Josiah Edwards will be heavily relied on as he is a high IQ true PG who is unselfish, good passer, and takes care of the ball. He is tough! Getting D3 interest.
Combo guard Jaeden Lanning is a quick high energy guy who is getting interest from multiple D2 and D3 schools. Can shoot the 3 and get to the rim.
Fred Cobb, another senior on this year’s team, will be heavily counted on to score and defend multiple positions as a hybrid F. He will be discussed further when it comes to Calvary’s size.
Size
Calvary features 8 players 6’4” or taller but it all starts with 7’1” JR C James Mariech, who just transferred to Calvary this year. James has the potential to be a HM big man with his combination of size and mobility. He is still raw offensively but is a quick learner and blocks shots. He will anchor the defense this year and is one to watch moving forward.
SR Fred Cobb, who transfered from HP Christian, looked great at the practice I attended and plays bigger than listed (6’4”) because of his length and athleticism. He can shoot the 3, put in the floor, and score inside. Moves well without the basketball and is very vocal. He has a high motor and is a good rebounder on both ends. Has D2 and D3 interest.
Rounding out the front court is SO Javon Floyd, a 6’6” long and lanky PF. He provides rim protection and rebounding. Also, JR Jack Hooten, a 6’6” forward who had a great summer and is a good rebounder could have a big year too.
Young Talent
Salem Baptist transfer freshman guard, James Wilkens leads a group of talented youngers for this years varsity squad who will push the upperclassmen for minutes. James is a 3 level scorer who can really shoot the basketball. He shows good patience in the PnR and is a rising star in the 2022 class.
I liked what I saw from Owen Gullege, a 6’6” Sophomore wing who played PG last year as a freshman on the JV team. Owen has good potential and can really shoot the basketball.